File:Life and scenes in Congo (1889) (14760942114).jpg

Identifier: lifescenesincong01prob (find matches)
Title: Life and scenes in Congo
Year: 1889 (1880s)
Authors: Probert, Herbert
Subjects:
Publisher: Philadelphia, American Baptist Publication Society
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress

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strong currents and whirlpools that have to be avoided.We soon sighted Mukimvika Station. This MissionStation of the American Baptist Missionary Union, beautiful for situation/^ is on rising ground, butten minutes walk from the nearest part of the river,and about fifteen miles from Banana. One ofthe chiefs here is known as King Plenty. Thesurroundings of this station are almost like an Eng-lish park. It is in Portuguese territory. A greatpart of the land near Mukimvika is intersected bycreeks, some of them so narrow and winding, andalmost covered by the overhanging vegetation, thatboats must be carefully steered. Tliis is the home ofthe mangrove tree. When the tide ebbs, the blackmuddy roots of the mangroves are exposed to view,thereby diffusing an odor none of the pleasantest ormost healthful. Mukimvika is a noted place for par-rots. The natives are very expert in climbing trees andcatching the young birds. These they take to Bananaand sell to traders and travelers. They usually cost
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Life and Sceius in Congo, A MaNGHOVE. iii^^- 31. LIFE AND SCENES IN CONGO. 35 about one dollar and a quarter each, and more if itcan be gotten. The money thus obtained is con-verted into necklaces or other ornaments, but is rarely-used as a currency. The natives prefer Englishmoney to French or Portuguese. Elephants tails were formerly in great demand inthis district—L e., the hairs* or bristles that form theend of the tail. One or more of them hung aroundthe neck was believed to act as a charm, and isregarded as a thing of beauty. Some years ago, afowl could be purchased for one of these hairs. Thecreeks near Mukimvika are infested with crocodiles,and it is unsafe to bathe. One little boy who was inour mission went with others down to the creek,probably to swim, for the children are so fearless.In this creek were many large crocodiles, or, as anative would say, Ziugandu zazinene zazingi. Theboy was seized by one of these reptiles, and neverafterward seen. Passing Mukimvika, we soon

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